Relationship between tourism and export in Türkiye (2002-2021)

Tourism is one of the most important sectors especially for developing countries. Because foreign trade deficits may occur in these countries and this deficit increases the need for financing. Tourism as a service sector of foreign trade, is among the important income items. Tourism mobility has increased worldwide especially after the 1950s and in Türkiye after the 1980s. Foreign trade, which consists of export and import transactions of countries, is a factor affecting the economic indicators of the country, especially foreign exchange reserves. In foreign trade, it is important whether the economy is open or closed. Economies that are open to foreign trade can develop and reach foreign trade balance. This situation can close foreign trade deficits by providing foreign trade surplus. Although foreign trade, which is so effective, is not considered as a direct export, its connection with tourism is important in terms of generating income. Because developed tourism sectors provide significant foreign exchange income. In this study, the relationship between tourism and foreign trade in Türkiye has been investigated through Granger Causality Analysis using data sets covering the period between 2002 and 2021. According to the results of the analysis, it is concluded that when there is an increase in export income there is an increase in tourism income, and when there is an increase in tourism income, there is an increase in export income. As a result, a causality relationship was found between tourism and export incomes.